Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Sun Valley sets priorities for 2008

Affordable housing, LOT policy top list


By JON DUVAL
Express Staff Writer

Construction of workforce housing and local option tax use headed a list of items considered by the Sun Valley City Council and mayor in a special meeting on Monday, Feb. 4, to discuss the priorities for the coming year.

While no specifics were given as to how the list was to be completed, council members and Mayor Wayne Willich came up with six issues that would require their attention.

Of numerous challenges presented, the list was narrowed down, with the help of interim City Administrator Jerry Osterman, to include:

- Workforce housing

- Local option tax use policy

- Review of the capital improvement plan

- Alignment of the city's comprehensive plan and Sun Valley Co.'s master plan where possible

- Better communication with the public

- Review of regional issues

Willich said the city needs to make sure that LOT income is being used in accordance with state law to preclude efforts underway in the Legislature to tighten LOT regulations.

He also said the capital improvement plan should be reviewed, especially its goals for streets and pathways, since several projects have been sitting dormant.

Councilman Dave Chase said the city should review similarities between its comprehensive plan and Sun Valley Co.'s master plan and implement common goals sooner rather than later.

Other goals mentioned during the meeting included looking at regional transportation issues, including the possibility of a replacement airport, looking for ways to increase the vitality of the city, including the number of full-time residents, and discussing development impact fees.

There was neither mention of a timeline for accomplishing the broad-ranging tasks nor any order set for approaching them.

In other Sun Valley news, the council and mayor met with Greg Prothman, a consultant contracted to help the city with its executive search for a full-time city administrator. Prothman said he expects the search to take approximately three months before the final interview process begins.

Councilwoman Joan Lamb said the ideal candidate would have not only experience, but also the willingness to get involved rather than simply delegate. Councilman Nils Ribi said it would be beneficial if the new administrator enjoyed the numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation available in the area.

The successful candidate will replace Osterman, who has already been praised by Willich since taking the position in January.

The full-time position will carry with it a salary between $100,000 and $130,000. While council members said they would prefer the administrator to live in Sun Valley, they did not make that a requirement.




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